Car collectors bite on the Bullet, first Bristol for a decade

Petrol-powered version of £250,000 tourer will be in demand amid rumours that classic will go electric

BRISTOL Cars released its first new model in a decade yesterday, leading to a rush of interest from collectors who believe it may be their last chance to acquire a new petrol-powered classic.

There is speculation that the handbuilt Bullet, a £250,000 two-seater speedster powered by a V8 engine, could be phased out in favour of electric versions by the end of the year.

The new generation is expected to have an electric drive platform and a much smaller charging engine, meaning it will primarily be driven without the use of fuel.

Bristol’s loyal army of supporters were reassured, however, that the brand will continue the company’s 70year tradition of luxurious cars for grand touring.

The sleek Bullet, released to mark the founding of the company 70 years ago, will use a V8 Hercules engine manufactured by BMW. Billed as “a sublime British sports car”, it was developed under the codename Project Pinnacle after a prototype was discovered hidden under a dusty tarpaulin in a factory.

With a state-of-the-art carbon fibre body, the Bullet can reach a top speed of 155mph and accelerate from 062mph in 3.8 seconds. A touch screen is embedded in the dashboard and there is a button to provide direct access to the manufacturer’s only showroom, in Kensington, west London.

Julian Ramshaw, general manager, said: “The Bullet celebrates 70 years of design and innovation at Bristol Cars. This unique speedster sets the tone for the future of Bristol Cars – with a focus on luxury, performance and elegance.

“The discovery of the prototype at the factory provided us with the perfect way to celebrate this incredible marque’s 70th anniversary.

“Open top, highly luxurious, lightweight and full of torque, it really is the ultimate driver’s car.”

The Bullet was unveiled at The Dorchester in central London, and production is due to begin in Chichester, West Sussex, early next year. John McIlroy, deputy editor of Auto Express magazine, said the model was “pretty well judged”.

“It will split opinion as Bristols always should, because they have never been a mainstream product,” he said.

“The styling looks retro with fins above the rear lights, a fairly retrolooking front end with a gaping grille and round headlights, which aren’t exactly the norm in modern vehicles.”

Bristol Cars began hand-building models in Filton, Gloucestershire, in 1946 as a division of the Bristol Aeroplane Company.

It developed a reputation for the high quality of its craftsmanship and resisted expanding into mass-market territory. Sir Richard Branson, Bono and Liam Gallagher are among its highprofile customers.

Mr McIlroy said the manufacturer has always adopted a “personal approach” to its customers, being on first name terms and even refusing to sell to those it does not like. “It was almost like a gentlemen’s club,” he added. “They have a consistency of standing aside from the perceived norm.”

The firm went into administration in 2011 but was rescued by technology company Frazer Nash.